Introduction
The advantages of hemp fabric have made it more popular useful globally. Hemp fabric performs double duty as an environmentally-friendly textile and is extremely durable. Hemp fabric is made from the stalks of the Cannabis Sativa (marijuana) plant, which has a very low water footprint and does not require the use of pesticides. From an environmental perspective, hemp is one of the most sustainable textile choices in the entire fashion industry.
Apart from the above, what people appreciate most about hemp is its natural texture and breathability. It is soft and strong, and it only improves with age. The long, tightly woven fibers of hemp translate into garments that endure for decades. Hemp clothing as an eco-friendly product continues to shine and is favored by an increasing number of eco-conscious people.
The most important question to address and that will be answered in this article is: does hemp shrink. Here, we will also describe the preventive measures one can take, differences with other fabrics, and proper care for hemp garments.
Does Hemp Shrink? (Direct Answer)
Let’s address the most important question and get straight to the point: can hemp shrink. The answer is yes but only to a very small dimension and only with negligent care. If proper washing or drying techniques are not adhered to, hemp fabric may shrink. In modern times though, compared to washing cotton or wool, the risk of shrinkage is significantly lower, especially with pre-washed hemp products.
Hemp is regarded as a more stable natural fiber compared to others. It is more resilient than cotton and linen. While polyester and other synthetic fabrics are not eco-friendly and breathable, they do not shrink as much. For this reason, along with other eco-friendly factors, hemp is considered a top-tier fabric.
To answer the question, does hemp shrink? Yes, but the methods to mitigate it are easy.
Factors That Cause Hemp to Shrink
A few important factors contribute to the shrinkage of hemp. Although hemp is a resilient fabric, it is still natural and requires certain handling precautions. Let’s take a look at the following:
High Heat Exposure
Heat is the most common factor for hemp to shrink. Over time, washing in hot water or drying at high temperatures begins to tighten the fibers of a garment, and this results in shrinkage.
Agitation in Washing Machines
Excessive agitation in washing machines is also a factor. While hemp is durable, it is still natural and vulnerable to harsh washing conditions, so use less aggressive washes for hemp garments.
Low-Quality Hemp Blends
Numerous brands combine hemp with cotton or rayon. With hemp cotton blends, the tendency to shrink further increases which can cause issues. Always check the label for fabric composition.
How Much Does Hemp Shrink?
Like most retired natural fabrics, untreated hemp undergoes a shrinkage of approximately 3 to 5 percent after the first wash. This is a deviation performed by most natural fabrics left untreated. In most cases, the material will stabilize after being washed during the first few times.
Pre-Washed vs. Raw Hemp
Pre-washed garments undergo a treatment to minimize shrinkage, resulting in a reduction of up to 2 percent. Raw garments are those which have not undergone any treatment, increasing the risk of shrinkage after washing.
If the garments are made from untreated hemp, follow care recommendations to avoid disappointments.
How to Prevent Hemp from Shrinking
There are a few methods for keeping hemp garments from losing their shape. Adhering to the care recommendations will maintain the fit and feel for a long time.
Wash in Cold Water
With clothing made from hemp, cold water is the only option. Cold water not only helps retain the shape and strength of the hemp fibers, but also helps cut down on energy expenditures.
Air Dry or Tumble Dry on Low
The optimal method for drying clothes is air drying, which is best accomplished by flattening and hanging garments in shady areas. If using a dryer is preferred, only low heat settings should be utilized. High heat is the quickest route to shrinkage.
Avoid Harsh Detergents
When washing clothes, stick to using mild or natural detergents as harsh chemicals such as bleach can weaken the fabric and speed up shrinkage. Gentle laundry formulated to protect the garments should be selected.
Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing
Add a capful of baby shampoo to lukewarm water and soak the clothing for 10 to 15 minutes. Shampoo helps to relax the hemp fibers. After soaking, gently stretch the garment to the size it was before soaking.
While the garment may not regain all of the lost size, it should help in a great deal.
How to Unshrink Hemp Clothing (If Possible)
Does washing organic hemp raise any concerns? Generally, organic hemp shrinks just as much as the conventional variety. But there is a caveat.
Stretch While Damp
Some non-organic fabrics are treated with anti-shrink chemicals. Organic hemp usually avoids these. This means organic hemp is treated fabrics is likely to shrink more than conventional fabrics, especially in the absence of a pre-wash. On the plus side, organic hemp is more breathable and lacks synthetic coatings.
Use Baby Shampoo or Conditioner
Thus, while the fabric is more delicate than its non-organic counterpart, organic hemp fabrics remain durable and are an excellent long-lasting choice.
Does Organic Hemp Shrink Differently?
Taking hemp’s shrinkage into consideration, how does it compare to other popular fabrics? Below is a quick side-by-side comparison:
Hemp vs. Cotton
Hemp and cotton have a somewhat different shrinkage characteristic. Cotton shrinks more than hemp does. It can shrink up to ten percent if not pre-shrunk. On the contrary, hemp, especially when pre-washed, shrinks a lot less and keeps its shape much better.
Hemp vs. Linen
While hemp and linen share similarities, linen is prone to shrinking more than hemp because of its looser weave. Hemp’s tighter fiber structure is not only stronger, but also more resistant to shrinking.
Hemp vs. Synthetic Fabrics
Unlike most synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, hemp provides breathability and comfort, especially with a minimal risk of shrinkage, making hemp more environmentally friendly than synthetic fabrics.
Common Myths About Hemp Shrinkage
Myths surrounding hemp often stem from a lack of information, but the following points will help set the record straight:
“Hemp Doesn’t Shrink at All”
Like most fabrics, hemp has the potential to shrink, particularly if washed with hot water and dried on high heat. However, hemp is more stable than most fabrics.
“All Natural Fabrics Shrink the Same Way”
This is not true. Different fabrics react differently. Hemp is more stable than other textiles, but still requires careful handling. Cotton shrinks more than hemp, and wool can shrink drastically.
Being informed about these myths enables you to better control your expectations and maintenance of your apparel.
Best Practices for Washing & Maintaining Hemp Clothes
To extend the lifespan of a hemp garment, the following care instructions should be undertaken:
- Check the tag for specific washing instructions.
- Use the mintaged washing cycle with cold water.
- A natural, mild detergent is recommended.
- Do not use fabric softeners or bleach with the detergent.
- Dry with the dryer on air or on the lowest heat setting.
- If necessary, iron on medium heat.
- It is best to keep it folded in a cool dry place.
Following these recommendations, hemp clothes can be conveniently maintained while ensuring a flawless appearance for an extended period.
Where to Buy Pre-Shrunk Hemp Clothing
To completely avoid clothes shrinking, it is best to look for brands that pre wash or pre shrink their hemp garments. These garments tend to be more stable and are easier to take care of.
Check these trusted brands:
- Patagonia offers hemp clothing with clear care instructions.
- Toad&Co is known for their soft pre washed hemp cotton blends.
- Thought Clothing is an ethical brand that offers stylish hemp clothes with shrink resistant treatments.
- Wama Underwear offers organic hemp underwear that do not shrink much.
It’s key to check product descriptions and reviews. Look for “pre-washed”, “shrink-resistant”, or “enzyme-treated”.
Conclusion
So, does hemp shrink? Yes, but not noticeably and mainly with the combination of heat and careless washing. If looked after, your hemp apparel can last for years.
Hemp is a smart and sustainable option due to its strength, breathability, and low environmental impact. It outperforms and outlasts cotton and linen, which is an added bonus.
Knowing the properties of hemp helps in making stylish, eco-friendly wardrobe choices without the concern of unexpected shrinkage.
FAQs
A: Yep, hemp does have the potential to shrink, particularly raw or untreated hemp, after the first wash. The primary reason for the shrinkage is hot water or high dryer heat. hemp does tend to shrink 3-5 percent. However, the preshrunk hemp clothing tend to shrink much less in comparison to hemp that is unwashed.
A: To sustain the dimensions of hemp clothes, wash them in cold water, use a gentle detergent, and air dry or use a tumble dry on low heat. Rough sociological gentle cycles alongside high dryer heat are also not recommended.
A: Some of the reasons for this are high heat, too much tough washing, too much agitation, or when hemp is paired with fibers that are prone to shrink too easily like cotton or rayon. If for best results it is always advisable to follow the care label.
A: To an extent, yes. You can try soaking the clothing in lukewarm water mixed with baby shampoo, stretching it slightly while damp, then letting it air dry in the shape you want. Although it doesn’t always work, this technique can improve things.
